Apparatus for mounting wallboard

ABSTRACT

Wallboard is mounted upon the interior studding of buildings or other structures by mounting a strip of a first fastening member upon the studding. A strip of a second fastening member is mounted in a corresponding position along the mounting face of the wallboard. One of the first and second fastening members has a multiplicity of hooked elements of the filament type projecting outwardly from the exposed face of the member, while the remaining member is provided with a multiplicity of looped elements of the filament type extending outwardly from its exposed face. The wallboard is pressed against the studding so that the outwardly extending elements of the fastening means engage one another. As few as one conventional fastening member need be provided near the top and bottom marginal edges of the wallboard due to the holding power of the first and second fastening means. Ceiling and floor runners are mounted in a similar fashion, using hook-type and loop-type fastening means. An alternative type of mounting assembly employs clips which are mounted only to the panelboard to embrace the supporting studs. In the alternative embodiment, first and second types of fastening members are adhesively fastened only to the panels. The first type of clip is secured adjacent to one edge of the panels and is slid into position, together with the panel, to embrace on stud. The opposite edge of the panel is pushed against another stud adjacent that edge to snappingly engage that stud. The studs intermediate the opposite edges of the panel may be joined to the panel by the snappingly engaging fasteners or through the use of the hook and loop-type fasteners joined respectively to panel and stud. Slidable studs may be employed to be embraced by one set of clips. Resilient or sponge-like pads may be positioned between the panels and the studs to prevent rattling. Also, magnetic strips may be employed to fasten the panels to the studs.

United States Patent [191 Birum, Jr.

[ APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING WALLBOARD [76] Inventor: Herbert L. Birum, Jr., Pleasant Valley Rd., Titusville, NJ. 08560 [22] Filed: Apr. 17, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 351,959

Related US. Application Data Primary Examiner-Price C. Faw, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or FirmD. A. N. Chase [57] ABSTRACT wallboard is mounted upon the interior studding of buildings or other structures by mounting a strip of a first fastening member upon the studding. A strip of a second fastening member is mounted in a corresponding position along the mounting face of the wallboard. One of the first and second fastening members has a multiplicity of hooked elements of the filament type Dec. 10, 1974 projecting outwardly from the exposed face of the member, while the remaining member is provided with a multiplicity of looped elements of the filament type extending outwardly from its exposed face. The wallboard is pressed against the studding so that the outwardly extending elements of the fastening means engage one another. As few as one conventional fastening member need be provided near the top and bottom marginal edges of the wallboard due to the holding power of the first and second fastening means. Ceiling and floor runners are mounted in a similar fashion, using hook-type and loop-type fastening means.

An alternative type of mounting assembly employs clips which are mounted only to the panelboard to embrace the supporting studs. In the alternative embodiment, first and second types of fastening members are adhesively fastened only to the panels. The first type of clip is secured adjacent to one edge of the panels and is slid into position, together with the panel, to embrace on stud. The opposite edge of the panel is pushed against another stud adjacent that edge to snappingly engage that stud. The studs intermediate the opposite edges of the panel may be joined to the panel by the snappingly engaging fasteners or through the use of the hook and loop-type fasteners joined respectively to panel and stud. Slidable studs may be employed to be embraced by one set of clips. Resilient or sponge-like pads may be positioned between the panels and the studs to prevent rattling. Also, magnetic strips may be employed to fasten the panels to the studs.

6 Claims, 36 Drawing Figures APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING WALLBOARD This is a division of application Ser. No. 141,627, filed May 10, 1971, now abandoned.

The present invention relates to interior panelling systems and more particularly to a novel method and apparatus for mounting wallboard, panels and the like, in a simple and rapid fashion through the use of cooperating fastening means which are separately mounted to the building superstructure and the mounting faces of the wallboard or to the wallboard alone.

A major objective of all wallboard or panel mounting methods and apparatus is to provide an arrangement in which wallboard may be mounted rapidly and with a minimum of mounting components and in which the wallboard may be removed and replaced in a simple and rapid fashion.

The present invention is characterized by providing a method and apparatus for mounting wallboard which achieves the above objectives through the use of components which are few in number, and are both easy to use and to apply.

The present invention, in one preferred embodiment, utilizes first and second cooperating fastening means of a design adapted to become enmeshed with one another when pressed into engagement. One of said fastening means is comprised of a base member having a multiplicity of loop-type filaments extending from one surface thereof, while the remaining fastening means is comprised of a multiplicity of hook-type filaments dispersed over a base member and extending from one surface thereof. A strip of one of said fastening means is joined to the mounting surface of wallboard, preferably adjacent its vertically aligned marginal edges. The cooperating fastening member is joined to the superstructure or studding of the building with the fastening members being so aligned to their mounting surfaces as to become locked to one another when pressed into engagement. Thus, the mounting of a wallboard sheet may consist of the simple act of aligning the wallboard relative to the studding or superstructure and pressing the wallboard against the studding to cause them to become engaged. The simplicity of the mounting operation and holding strength of the fastening members reduces the number of conventional fastening devices required to a very minimal amount. in one preferred embodiment, as few as a single screw at the top and bottom marginal edges of the panel may be utilized,

thereby greatly facilitating mounting and demounting operations of such panels.

Ceiling and floor runners may be mounted in a similar fashion through the use of the cooperating fastening members to enable the simple and yet rapid and reliable assembly of an entire wallboard system.-

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, clips of a first and a second type are respectively mounted along opposite parallel edges ofa panel. The first type of clip has a substantially U-shape configuration comprised of first and second arms integrally joined to a yoke portion. One of the arms is adhesively secured to the mounting face ofa panel along one marginal edge thereof and is designed to engage and embrace a mounting arm of a substantially C-shaped stud. The second clip is of L-shaped configuration comprising a first flat arm which is adhesively secured to the mounting face of a panel along the opposite marginal edge. The remaining arm has a substantially V-shaped configuration and is adapted to snappingly engage the mounting arm of another C-shaped stud. The panels with the appropriate clips are very simply and readily mounted to the stud by aligning the panel relative to the studs, sliding the panel in a first direction so as to cause the U-shaped clips to engage and embrace one of said studs and pressing the opposite end of the panel toward the studs so as to cause the remaining clips to snappingly engage another one of the studs. This assembly is equally as simple and straightforward.

Still another preferred embodiment of the present invention is comprised of clips having outwardly directed mating flanges extending toward the vertical edges of the panel member. The clip member along one surface of the panel member is joined to a stud by sliding the panel member along the mounting surfaces of the studs until the clip engages one arm of an associated stud. The panel is then pressed firmly against the mounting surfaces of the studs which further comprises a movable stud positioned a spaced distance away from the remaining clips. The panel is provided near its upper and lower edges with openings of sufficient dimension to insert a tool such as, for example, a screw driver. The forward end of the tool is inserted through the opening until it engages the central portion of the movable stud. The head of the tool is then moved toward the face of the panel causing the movable stud to be moved into position whereby it is embraced by the remaining clip (or clips). The upper and lower ends of the movable stud are moved into the locking position by openings provided at the upper and lower edges of the panel. Additional openings are provided at a spaced distance from the aforementioned openings in order to move the movable stud out of embracing engagement with its associated clip (or clips) in cases where it is desired to remove and/or replace any particular panel section. In applications wherein it is desired to secure four foot panels to studding in which the vertical studs are arranged in 2 foot spacings, center-to-center, the stud positioned intermediate the vertical edges of the panel may be made movable. As an alternative arrangement Velcro fastening members of the type described hereinabove may be employed. As still another alternative arrangement a magnetic strip may be secured to the mounting face of the panel so as to be magnetically attracted to the intermediate stud. If desired, the panel may be provided with only magnetic strips for mounting thereof. To facilitate securement a single fastening member such as, for example, a screw may be placed at both the upper and lower edges of the panels. The aforementioned holes provided for positioning the movable studs or provided for receiving the aforementioned fastening members may be covered by ceiling and floor runners of the type described hereinabove.

In still another preferred embodiment those studs which are positioned adjacent the vertical edges of panels may be provided with adjacently positioned studs which are preferably secured thereto by fastening means and U-shaped clips are thereby provided on the mounting face of the panel for joining the panel members to the pair of joined studs. The gripping power of the clips described hereinabove may be further enhanced and the panels and clips may be restrained from movement, rattling and the like by providing resilient pads along the vertical marginal edges of the panel mounting faces.

Most of the aforementioned clip members may be modified so as to form a clip assembly comprised of first and second clip sections which are designed to facilitate stacking, handling, storing and shipping. Such clip members are comprised of a first clip section having a mounting portion which is adhesively secured to the panel member mounting surface. An integrally formed, slightly raised clip portion, slightly spaced from the mounting surface of the panel member is adapted to receive the second clip section having a mounting portion which is slid beneath the raised portion of the first clip section so as to be embraced between the clip and the mounting face of the panel. The second clip section is retained in position by peening the raised surface portion preferably with a sharply pointed instrument. The second clip section is further provided with a substantially L-shaped clip embracing portion for embracing at least one arm of a stud. The advantage of the above arrangement resides in the fact that the first clip sections may be mounted upon panel members at the factory or other place of fabrication and the panel members may be neatly and compactly stacked. The second clip section may be shipped separately and assembled at the job site.

It is, therefore, one object of the present invention to providea novel method and apparatus for mounting wallboard through the use of hook-type and loop-type fastening members.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel method and apparatus for mounting wallboards through the use of mounting clips joined exclusively to the panelboard, which clips respectively embrace and snappingly engage associated studs.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel method and apparatus for mounting wallboard through the use of hook-type and loop-type fastening members whereby wallboard and ceiling and floor runners may all be mounted in a simple and yet reliable manner through the use of this technique.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel method and apparatus for mounting wallboards through the use of mounting clips adhesively joined to the mounting surface of the wallboard wherein at least one of the clips is slid into embracing and locking position with an associated stud member and wherein at least one movable stud member is provided to lockingly embrace the remaining clip member.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel method and apparatus for mounting wallboards through the use of mounting clips adhesively secured to the mounting face of the wallboard and fur ther providing resilient pads interposed between the wallboard mounting face and the studding to enhance ing the bracing support of the panel and to prevent the panels from vibrating and/or rattling.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel method and apparatus for mounting wallboards to studding wherein the aforementioned fastening arrangements may be combined or otherwise utilized in various combinations to effect easy, rapid and yet reliable mounting for wallboard.

These as well as other objects of the present invention will become apparent when reading the accompanying description and drawings in which:

FIG. la is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a house, building or other facility;

FIG. 1b is a perspective view showing a wallboard and batten strip which may be employed with the arrangement of FIG. la;

FIGS. 10 and 1d are sectional views showing the fastening members of FIG. lb in greater detail;

FIG. 2a is a perspective view showing a portion of a wallboard and ceiling runner incorporating the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2b is a perspective view showing a portion of a wallboard and floor runner incorporating the principles of the present invention;

FIGS. 3a and 3b show a building structure and panel boards, respectively, depicting a modified embodiment as compared with FIGS. la and 1b, respectively;

FIG. 4 shows an end elevational view ofa fully assembled structure of the type shown in FIGS. la-Zb;

FIGS. 5a and 5b show alternative arrangements for fastening members which may be utilized upon the building superstructure;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of first and second types of clips employed in another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8a-8f, 8i and 8j are top plan views of panel assemblies utilizing the clips of FIGS. 6 and 7 and which are useful in explaining the assembly steps and advantages of the preferred embodiment employing the clips of FIGS. 6 and 7;

FIGS. 8g and 8h show guide members for aligning the clips of FIGS. 6 and 7 on a panel;

FIG. 9 is an elevational view showing the mounting clips and mounting surface of a panel board employed in another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9a and 9b are top plan views showing the manner of assembly of the panel board of FIG. 9 to studding;

FIG. shows an alternative embodiment of a clip assembly which may be substituted for the clips employed in the embodiment of FIGS. 9-91);

FIGS. 10, 10a, 11, 11a and 11b show still other embodiments of clip members which may be employed to secure panel boards to studs;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view showing still another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13a is a top view of the clip assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. la shows a portion of the present invention which is comprised of a building superstructure l0 having vertically aligned studs 11 and 12 typically spaced 16 inches on center and which are formed from sheets of a suitable metallic material. The studs of the type shown in FIG. la have a substantially C-shaped crosssectional configuration. For example, vertical stud 11 is shown as having an open-ended vertical side 11a. Considering stud 12, for example, this stud is comprised of a central portion 12a having two depending arms 12b and 12c, each turned inwardly toward one another at their marginal edges 12d and 12e respectively. Cut-out portions 12h may be provided at spaced distances along central portion 12a to allow for threading of wiring or other conduits therethrough.

The partition system is further comprised of a channel shapedcornice cap 13 and a channel shaped floor track 14, eachof which are secured by suitable fastening means 15 and 16, respectively, to the upper and lower ends of studs 11 and 12 to form a strong, rigid, unitary framework. Obviously, the framework may be of any suitable height and/or length, depending upon the particular installation. For example, in rooms of standard size, normal heights encountered are 8 feet, but the framework may be made of any other suitable height. The lengths of the framework obviously depend upon the particular room or region being enclosed.

In conventional installations, it is typical to secure sheets of plasterboard, commonly referred to as drywall or other types of panel boards, to the building studs through the use of conventional fastening means. In the case where the dry-wall is to be painted or wallpapered, the regions in which the fastening members are driven are finished, such as, for example, with a suitable filler or tape, and the walls are then painted or papered. It is also possible to employ coated wallboard which may be comprised of a plasterboard base having a vinyl, wood or painted finish which greatly simplifies installations through the combinations of the wall finish and plasterboard into one composite panel.

After any of the above type panel boards are secured to the studs, suitable vertical batten strips and floor and ceiling strips are then nailed to the building studs to provide a finished wall surface having a desirable aesthetic appearance.

The present invention is characterized by providing a panel board assembly method and apparatus for mounting panel board and ceiling and floor runners without the need for any or in the worst case a minimum amount of conventiinal fastening means.

Considering the structure 10 shown in FIG. 1a, the walls 11b and 12b of studs 11 and 12 have mounted thereto elongated strips 17 and 18, respectively. Each of the strips 17 and 18 are comprised of a base sheet having secured thereto a multiplicity of hooked elements of the filament type which, as shown in FIG. 10 is comprised ofa base sheet 170 which may preferably be formed ofa plastic material having a plurality of undulating threads, a portion of which are imbedded in the base material 17a and which have been cut such as at 170 to form the hook-like elements 17b.

The base strip is secured to studs 11 and 12 in the manner shown in FIG. 1a through the use of a suitable epoxy or other adhesive. The strips 17 and 17 preferably extend the entire length of the studs 11 and 12.

FIG. lb shows a wallboard member 19 which may, for example, be a 4 X 8 sheet of dry-wall material. The face which is to be mounted against the studding of FIG.'la is provided with a pair of elongated strips 20 and 20' which are secured along the vertical marginal edges of wallboard 19 by a suitable epoxy or other adhesive. The strips 20 and 20' are of the type shown best in FIG. 1d in which the strips are comprised of a base material 20a having undulating threads 20b, a portion of which are imbedded in the base material 20a whereby the remaining portion 20b forms a multiplicity of loops over the entire surface of the strip.

For the purpose of mounting the wallboard, the surface upon which the strips 20 and 20 have been mounted is aligned with the studs 11 and 12 as shown in FIG. 1a wherein the dotted rectangle 19' represents the positioning of a wallboard member. The member is then pressed against the studding so that the loop-type strips 20 and 20 are firmly pressed into the hook-type strips 17' and 17, respectively, to hold the panel board firmly in position. Conventionally, wallboard comes in 4 X 8 sheets. In order to appropriately mount the wallboard studs 11 and 12 (although not shown in FIG. 1a) should be preferably 48" apart, center line to center line. Thus, one additional stud would normally be positioned between the studs 1 1 and 12, but this stud would not be provided with a strip of hook-type material. As an obvious alternative, the hook-type material may be affixed to the surface of the wallboard 19 and the looptype material strips may be affixed to the studs 11 and 12.

Once the wallboard panel is affixed to the studding, in the manner described hereinabove so that the first wallboard member occupies the position shown by dotted rectangle 19, a single fastening member such as, for example, a screw 21 may be utilized to secure the top end of wallboard 19 to cornice cap 13 and a similar single screw member 21 may be utilized to secure the bottom end. It should be understood that these fastening members are affixed thereto only after the adhering of the hook and loop-type strips to one another. The characteristics of the hook and loop-type strips are such that they are highly resistive to any shearing strength or forces. Also, when pressed firmly into one another, the strips will not come apart except in the presence of rather substantial pulling forces which forces, while they may be of lesser magnitude than shearing forces which the strips will resist, are nevertheless of a substantial magnitude.

Similar wallboard members are fastened to the studs in a similar fashion and are positioned as shown by the dotted lines 19" and 19", respectively. It should be noted in FIG. 1a that a slight spacing between adjacent panel boards is provided. For example, a slight gap 22 is provided between panel boards 19 and 19 and a similar gap 22 is provided between wallboards l9 and 19!!! Once the wallboards have been so positioned, a vertical batten strip 23, a portion of which is shown in FIG. lb, is inserted in the gaps 22 and 22. This batten structure 23 is described in detail in copending application Ser. No. 34,269, filed May 4, 1970 by the present inventor. The vertical batten strip 23 is comprised of a central portion 23a which is slightly curved in the direction transverse to its length and which is provided with a pair of spaced parallel projections 23b and 230 whose exterior surfaces 23d and 23e, respectively, are provided with sawtooth contours. The entire structure is preferably plastic and may advantageously be formed through the use of an extruding process.

Once the panels have been joined in the manner shown and described in connection with FIGS. la and 1b, the batten strips 23 are cut to length and positioned so that the forward free ends of projections 23b and 23c are inserted into the appropriate gaps such as, for example, gaps 22 and 22'. The vertical batten strips are press-fitted into position either by hand or by lightly tapping the central portion 23a with a hammer or other suitable tool. The collar region between projections 23b and 230 permit the projections to bend or yield to a great extent so as to accommodate gaps between the panels which may deviate in width to a significant extent and yet still be sufficiently resilient to be firmly wedged within a gap.

FIG. 2a shows a ceiling 24 runner which may be employed in the present invention and which comprises a central portion 24a having a pair of inwardly bent arms 24b and 240 whose inwardly bent free ends 24d and 24e, respectively, are substantially co-planar. One of the strips of the type shown as 17 or is affixed to either one or both of the flanges 24d and 24e, while a complementary strip such as, for example, the strip 17' is affixed across the upper marginal edge of panel board 19. The ceiling runner may be of any desired length and is pressed against the panel boards, preferably after insertion of the vertical batten strips 23.

FIG. 2b shows a floor runner assembly which is comprised ofa central portion 250 having first and second depending arms 25b and 250. Arms 25b are further provided with an inwardly bent flange 25d upon whose surface one of the strips of the type shown as 17 or 20 is mounted. A complementary strip, for example, a strip 17 is mounted a spaced distance above the lower marginal edge of panel board 19. The floor runner 25 may be of any desired length and is pressed up against the panel boards, preferably after insertion of the vertical batten strips 23 so as to complete the assembly. The ceiling and floor runners 24 and 25, respectively, are preferably formed of an extremely light-weight plastic so that the hook and loop-type complementary fastening strips are more than satisfactory to hold the runners in position for indefinite periods of time.

FIG. 4 shows a fully assembled elevational view, including all of the components shown in FIGS. 1a-2b, with the exception that the complementary strips 17 and 20 are comprised of short sections of strips as opposed to being elongated strips. It has been found that this arrangement provides equal mounting strength as the elongated strips as shown in FIGS. 1a and lb.

FIG. 3a shows a slightly modified arrangement for the strips 17 and 17 on vertical studs 11 and 12, respectively, wherein strips 17 and 17' have widths of approximately l inch. FIG. 3b shows a pair of panel boards 19 and 19 in which the strips 20 and 20' provided on each of these panel boards occupy like positions relative to the strips 17 and 17 and which strips are approximately one-half inch in width. In mounting, each of the strips 20 and 20' cover slightly less than one-half of the strips 17 and 17' mounted upon studs 11 and 12 with a small gap being provided therebetween for the purpose of inserting the flexible type vertical batten strips 23, as shown best in FIG. 1b.

FIG. 5a shows another modified embodiment wherein a single batten 11 is provided with a plurality of strips 17 of three-eighths to one-half inch width arranged in spaced parallel fashion along the batten. Similar strips of similar width are mounted upon each of the panel boards for securement thereto.

FIG. 5b shows another slightly modified embodiment wherein a single stud 11 is shown as being provided with a plurality of strips 17 arranged in staggered fashion with half of the strips lying to one-half of an imaginary center line (see phantom line 31) while the remaining intervening strips are arranged to the right of imaginary center line 31. By appropriately positioning complementary strips upon each of the panel boards, the panel boards may be simply and readily mounted upon the studs wherein the spaced strips on both studs and panel boards have been found to provide adequate supporting and fastening strength.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in connection with FIGS. 6-8e. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a first type of clip 30 being employed in the above mentioned alternative embodiment, which clip is a unitary member which may beformed of either metal or plastic and which is comprised of a panel mounting arm 31 bent at 32 so as to form a shorter clip-shaped arm 33 having an inwardly bent portion 34 and an outwardly bent portion 35, which clip-shaped portion is joined to arm 31 by a yoke portion 36.

A second type of clip 40, shown in FIG. 7, is a unitary clip member which may likewise be formed of metal or plastic and which is provided with a panel mounting arm 41 and a second arm 42 having a first portion 43 bent substantially at right angles to arm 41 and having a V-shaped free end comprised of portions 44 and 45 extending outwardly from portion 43.

FIGS. 8a and 8b show the manner in which the clips are mounted to the panels wherein the assembly shown therein is comprised of a panel 51 which may, for example, be a 4 feet X 8 feet panel. The surface 52 of the panel which is mounted against the building studs is provided with three clips 30, 30 and 30 of the type shown in FIG. 6. The arms 31 (see FIG. 6) of the clips 30-30" are mounted along one vertical edge of panel 51 with the arms 31 thereof (see FIG. 6) being joined to surface 52 of the panel by a suitable adhesive. As can best be seen in FIG. 8b, the left-hand end of each of the clips 30-30 (and relative to the alignment shown in FIG. 6) extend a predetermined distance beyond the left-hand edge of panel 51.

The panel is further provided with clips 40, 40 and 40" which are arranged at spaced intervals adjacent the right-hand vertical edge of panel 51 whereby the arms 41 thereof (see FIG. 7) are joined to the rear surface 52 of the panel by a suitable adhesive. As can be seen from FIG. 8b, the clips 40-40" are spaced slightly inwardly from the right-hand edge of the panel and are arranged at spaced intervals along a substantially vertical imaginary line. Clips 30-30 are also vertically aligned at spaced intervals. Although the panel assemblies of FIGS. 8a and 8b show the use of three clips of the type shown in FIG. 6 and three clips of the type shown in FIG. 7, it should be understood that a greater or lesser number of such clips may be employed, depending only upon the needs of the user.

The clips are mounted in the manner shown best in FIGS. 8a, and 8d. As shown in these three Figures, a plurality of vertically aligned studs 51, 51a and 51b are arranged at spaced intervals within a building structure so as to define an area or region which is to be partitioned to form any suitable room or other working area. Typically, the studs are spaced 2 feet on center. As shown best in FIG. 8a, each of the panel assemblies are mounted by positioning the face 52 of the panel toward the studs. The clips 30, 30 and 30" are aligned relative to stud 51 in the manner shown best in FIG. 8a. The panel is then pushed in the direction shown by arrow 52 causing the arms 33 of each of the clips 30-30" to firmly embrace upper arm 53 of stud 51. The panel 51 is aligned so as to form a small angle with imaginary line 54.

Once the panel 51 has been moved from the position of FIG. 8a to the position of FIG. 80, the right-hand edge of panel 51 is pressed inwardly in a direction shown by arrow 56, causing arm 42 of each of the clips 40-40" to snappingly engage an associated clip 30" of the next adjacent panel assembly further comprising panel 51'. The assembly for that panel is thus completed, with the final arrangement of the panels 51 and 51' being shown best in FIG. 8d.

FIG. 8e shows the manner in which an entire wall has been assembled utilizing the clip structures of FIGS. 6 and 7. In the example shown in FIG. 8e, dotted lines 61 and 62 represent intersecting walls which are spanned by the panel assemblies. The manner in which the individual panel boards are mounted is to slide the clips 30 of panel 51 so as to embrace stud 53a. The opposite marginal portion of panel 51 is joined to stud 53 by conventional fastening means 63 such as, for example,

' screws. Panel 51 is the next panel to be assembled wherein its clips 30 are slid into the joining position with stud 53b and subsequent thereto whereby its clips 40 are snapped into position so as to engage and lock with associated clips 30 of panel 51. The remaining panels 51" and 51" are secured in a similar fashion. Preferably, all of the clips 30 and 40 mounted to each panel 51 are aligned at associated heights along their respective panels so as to engage one another in the fashion shown in FIG. 8e.

Whereas the arrangement of FIG. 8e shows an assembly wherein the right-hand most panel 51 is the first to be mounted to the studs with each panel to the left thereof being the next to be mounted, with each succeeding panel to the left thereof being the next to be mounted, it should be understood that the clips 30 and 40 may be reversed as to their location along the mounting face of each panel so that clips 30 may be mounted in the position of clips 40 as shown in FIG. 8b and conversely so that clips 40 may be mounted in the position occupied by clips 30 of FIG. 8b. Thus, the mounting arrangement may be simply and readily reversed. Considering FIG. 8e, for example, the panel 51" (with the clips 30 and 40 reversed) may be the first to be mounted to the studs with the panels positioned to the right thereof to be mounted in sequential order from left to right. It should be noted that the lefthand most panel 51" of FIG. 8e requires no clips along its left-hand mounting face. This is true in the case where an intersecting wall 61 prohibits the panel from being slid into position in the manner set forth hereinabove. Thus, the left-hand marginal edge of panel 51" may be secured to stud 53d by conventional fastening means such as self-tapping screws designated by the numeral 63. It can be seen that each of the panels may be removed as easily as they have been assembled to the studs. For example, either of the panels 51 or 51" may be removed by placing an instrument such as, for example, a screwdriver in the narrow gap G between panels 51 and S1, for example, so asto pry the right-hand edge of panel 51 away from the studs. Panel 51" may be loosened in a similar fashion so as to permit panel 51 to be slid toward the left as shown by arrow A in order to remove that particular panel. Panels 51 and 51" may be removed simply by removing the fastening members 63 and either sliding or accordingly pulling the panel away. Thus, in the example of panel SI, this panel may he slid toward the left as shown by arrow A after removal of the fastening screws 63 and lifting away of the right-hand end of panel 51'. In the case of panel 51", this panel may be removed without the handling of any other panel simply by removing the fastening screws 63 and prying the panel away from the studding by placing a pointed instrument in the gap G between panels 51" and 51".

Although not shown in FIG. 8e, it would be obvious to provide additional panels with associated clips 30 and to seal the opposite sides of studs 53-53e. This arrangement would be required where the wall formed by studs 53-53e forms a common wall between two offices or work areas. In the case where the studs are positioned immediately adjacent an outside wall, obviously no such panel arrangement would be required.

As was described hereinabove, it is typical to employ 4 feet X 8 feet panels and to mount same upon the studs which are arranged at 2 feet intervals (center line to center line). In such case, a stud will lie adjacent the in termediate portion of each panel. As shown in FIG. 8f, panels 51 and 51' are mounted upon studs 53-53d, wherein studs 53-53b support panel 51 and studs 53b-53d support panel 51. In order to provide further support for each of the panels 51 and 51 either of the following two techniques may be employed:

Considering first panel 51, its mounting face 52 may be provided with a plurality of clips 40 arranged in substantially the same vertical fashion as the clips 40-40 of FIG. 8b except that these clips are joined by a suitable adhesive along a vertical center line of the panel (note, for example, center line CL of FIG. 8b). The mounting assembly is the same as has been described hereinabove where clips .30 of panel 51 are slid into gripping engagement with stud 53d. After the clips are in firm engagement with stud 53d, the right-hand edge of the panel (relative to FIG. 8 is pressed toward the studs whereby clips 40 snappingly engage the clips 30 of panel 51 and whereby the clips 40" mounted along the imaginary center line of panel 51 snappingly engage one arm 550 of stud 530. This arrangement takes advantage of the intermediate" stud c by providing additional support for panel 51.

Panel 51 uses a different arrangement in connection with its central portion being mounted to stud 53a. As shown best in FIG. 8f, one or more vertically aligned strips of hook-type filament members 17 are adhesively joined to the rear surface 52 of panel 51 while one or more vertically aligned strips of loop-type fastening members 20 are adhesively joined to the engaging surface of arm 55a of stud 53a. Panel 51 is, however, mounted in a similar fashion to those panels described hereinabove wherein clips 30 are joined to the arm 55b of stud 53b by sliding the panel from the left toward the right. After the clips 30 are moved into the firmly engaged position, the right-hand edge of the panel 51 is then pressed against stud 53 and stud 53a so as to cause clips 40 to snappingly engage with the clips 30 of the next adjacent panel 51" and further so as to cause the fastening members 17 and 20 (described hereinabove in detail in connection with FIGS. la-3b) to become enmeshed. This assembly of panels 51 and 51' may be handled by the same method steps described hereinabove.

As an alternative arrangement, the clip 40 may be replaced by clip along the right-hand mounting surface (relative to FIG. 81'). Thus, the panel may be mounted by sliding it in the direction shown by arrow A. By providing stud 53a between studs 53 and 5312, the need for mounting two clips, i.e., clips 30' and 30 to a single stud, is avoided. As another obvious alternative, clips 30 may be replaced by clip and the entire panel may be snapped into place. Note FIG. 8j wherein clips 30 and 30' are mounted respectively at the righthand end of panel 19 and the left-hand end of panel 19'. Stud 53 is provided with a deep indentation 530' to accommodate the stud embracing portion of clip 30. Alternatively, the back-to-back stud arrangement of FIGS. 11 and 11a may be substituted for the stud 53 of FIG. 8j as will be more fully described hereinbelow.

FIGS. 9-9c show still another embodiment of the present invention in which a panel board 19 is provided with a plurality of clips 80 adhesively secured to the mounting face of the panel board by any suitable glue or other adhesive material. Each of the clips is provided with a mounting portion 81 which engages the mounting surface of the panel board and which is adhesively secured thereto. The clip is further provided with second, third and fourth portions 82, 83 and 84, respectively, which are each bent at an angle relative to their integrally joined adjacent portion, section 82 being bent substantially at right angles relative to section 81, section 83 being bent substantially at right angles relative to section 82, and section 84 being bent substantially at a angle relative to section 83.

Clips 80 are substantially identical to the clips 80 and a detailed description of these clips will therefore be omitted for purposes of brevity. As an obvious alternative to the arrangement shown in FIG. 9, the spaced arrangement of clips 80 and 80 may each be replaced by a single elongated clip.

Panel board 19 is further provided with a plurality of spaced openings arranged at predetermined intervals substantially along the upper and lower marginal edges thereof and whose purposes will be better understood from a detailed description of the manner of assembly set forth hereinbelow.

FIGS. 9a and 912 show the manner in which the panel of the type shown in FIG. 9 is assembled to a building stud assembly. The stud assembly of FIGS. 9a and 9b is substantially identical to that shown in FIG. la which was described as being comprised ofa plurality of vertically aligned spaced parallel studs 11 and 12 (see FIG. la) maintained intheir spaced positioning by ceiling and floor channels 13 and 14, respectively, which are riveted or otherwise secured to the studs. Although only two such studs are shown in FIG. la, it should be understood that the studs are preferably arranged 2 feet on center with the number of studs being determined by the length of the particular wall to be constructed. FIG. 9a shows a plurality of studs 11, 12, 11 and 12, respectively, wherein studs 11, 12 and 12 are each rigidly secured to ceiling and floor channels of the type shown in FIG. 1a. The ceiling and floor channels have been omitted from FIGS. 9a and 91) for purposes of simplicity. Stud 11 is a movable stud provided for a purpose to be more fully described. At this juncture it is sufficient to understand that movable stud 11 is simply positioned between studs 12 and 12 and has its upper and lower marginal portions slidably embraced by the ceiling and floor channels of the type shown and designated by numerals l3 and 14in FIG. 1a. To mount the panel of FIG. 9, panel 19, with the clip members and. 80 already secured thereto, is positioned against the mounting surfaces of all of the studs and is slid in a direction shown by arrow until the clip portion 83 embraces the short arm 110 of stud ll. Clip portion 84, being aligned diagonally to clip portion 83, facilitates the slidable engagement of the clip with arm 11c. Panel 19 is moved in the direction shown by arrow 85 until clip 80 firmly embraces the short arm 110 of stud 11. At this time the vertical edges of the panel are substantially aligned with the center lines of studs 11 and 12 as represented by dotted lines 86 and 87, respectively. In this position it should be noted that opening 88 near the upper edge of panel 19 (see FIGS. 9 and 9a) and the opening 89 provided near the lower edge of panel 19 is substantially in alignment with the small gap between stationary stud 12 and movable stud 11'. It should further be noted that clip 80' is positioned a spaced distance from the short arm 110' of movable Stud 11. In order to bring clip 80 into firm, embracing engagement with movable stud 11' the head portion of an instrument such as, for example, a screw driver is inserted into upper opening 88 in the manner shown by FIG. 9a. The head 91 of screw driver is then positioned in the gap between studs 11' and 12'. The handle 92 of screw driver 90 is then turned or rotated in the direction shown by arrow 93 so as to move from the position shown in FIG. 9a toward the position shown in FIG. 9b. The opening 88 serves as a bearing surface about which the screw driver pivots whereby the head 91 is urged against the surface of movable stud 11' so as to move the stud as well as its short arm 1 10 into embracing engagement with clip 80. Although not shown in the Figures it should be understood that the stud II will now be slightly diagonally aligned. In order to complete the mounting operation the screw driver 90 is removed from upper opening 88 and is inserted into lower opening 89 whereby substantially the same turning or rotating operation is repeated so as to bring the lower edge of the movable stud 11' into embracing engagement with the lowermost clip 80 or with the lower end of clip 80 in the case where a single elongated clip member is employed. This completes the assembly operation of the panel. If desired, a self tapping screw S may be employed to engage panel 19 and stud 11 to prevent movement of the stud 11. An additional screw (not shown) may be mounted at both the upper and lower edges of the panel, if desired.

It should be understood that the above description describes a manner in which a single panel is assembled to the building studs. Obviously, additional panels over a long wall would be mounted in a similar fashion. With the clips mounted to the panel board in the arrangement shown in FIGS. 9-9b the assembly sequence is such that the panel to the left of panel 19 shown in FIG. 9a should be installed first, panel 19 should then be installed next and the panel immediately to the right of panel 19 should be the next panel to be installed, i.e., the panels with the clips arranged as shown in FIG. 9a would be from left to right. It should be obvious that the installation sequence may be reversed by reversing the building studs ll, 12 and 12' so that their openings face in the direction opposite that shown in FIG. 9a and by placing movable stud 11 immediately adjacent and to the right of stud 11 so that substantially the mirror image of the arrangement shown in FIG. 9a is obtained. It should further be obvious that panels may be installed on the opposite mounting faces of studs 11, 12, 11 and 12' in a manner similar to that described hereinabove. In cases where the building studs are positioned immediately adjacent the exterior wall of a structure, it should be understood that panels are to be mounted to the interior mounting faces only of the studs. In applications where the studding is positioned remote from the exterior wall of a structure it is then desirable to provide and mount panels on both sides of a stud run. In such applications it is preferable to mount both panels substantially simultaneously. This may be done by mounting panel 19 in the manner described hereinabove so as to cause its clip 80 to embrace short arm 110 of stud 11. A second panel may be placed upon the opposite side of the stud run so that its clip embraces the short arm 11d of stud 11. The movable stud 11' need only be moved from one side of the wall being assembled by inserting a tool such as the screw driver 90 shown and completing the assembly in the manner described hereinabove. If desired, however, the head of the screw driver may be inserted through a similar opening provided in the panel 19 shown in dotted fashion to absolutely assure that its clip 80 is firmly embraced by the short arm 11 d of the movable stud 11'.

The panel assembly of FIG. 9 is also adapted to be readily removed at any time after assembly through the provision of openings 94 and 95 which are spaced from openings 88 and 89, respectively, and which are positioned near the upper and lower edges, respectively, of the panel. As can best be seen from a consideration of FIG. 9b the openings 94 and 95 are aligned substantially with the small gap formed between the clip portion 82' of clip 80 and the short arm 110' of movable stud 11'. In order to release the clip from the movable stud, the head 91 of the screw driver is inserted into opening 94 and twisted in the reverse direction to that described hereinabove to cause the movable stud 11' to move from the position shown in FIG. 9b to the position shown in FIG. 9a. To complete the disassembly operation, the screw driver is then inserted into the lower opening 95 and the operation substantially as described hereinabove is repeated. It should be obvious that the screw driver may first be inserted into the lower opening 95, if desired. This is also true of the assembly operation wherein the screw driver may be first inserted into the lower opening 89, if desired. In order to complete the disassembly operation, panel 19 is then moved or slid in a direction shown by arrow 97 so as to release clip 80 from the short arm 110 of stud 11 (note FIG. 9a). This completely releases the clip members of the panel from the studs enabling the panel to be removed.

As was described hereinabove, the studs are typically arranged at 2 feet intervals from the center line of one stud to the center line of the next stud. Panels are typically 4 feet in width and, as shown in FIG. 9a, extend between three stationary studs 11, 12 and 12'. In order to take advantage of the presence of stud l2 and utilize this stud to provide further support for panel 19, an additional clip member 80" may be adhesively mounted to the mounting surface of panel 19 so as to move into embracing engagement with the short arm 120 of stud l2 simultaneously with the movement of clip 80 into embracing engagement with short arm 116 of stud 11.

The final assembly step of the insertion of the screw driver remains the same throughout.

In cases where it is desired to remove panel 19 only and wherein panel 19 is positioned between a panel to its immediate left and a panel to its immediate right, it becomes awkward to attempt to move the right-hand end of panel 19 outwardly in the direction shown by arrow 98 due to the presence of clips and 80". It is also not possible to slide panel 19 in a direction shown by arrow 97 due to the fact that a panel is positioned immediately to the right of panel 19. In this instance, and in the instance where it is desired to use clip 80" to provide additional supporting strength for panel 19, stud 12 is made movable (i.e., is not mechanically secured to the ceiling and floor channels of the stud run but is slidably embraced by the channels) and panel 19 is further provided with a pair of upper openings and a pair of lower openings similar to the upper and lower openings 88-94 and 89-95 described hereinabove. As shown in FIG. 9a the upper edge of the panel is provided with an opening 98 into which a screw driver is inserted to slide the upper end of slidable stud 12 into embracing engagement with clip 80'. It should be obvious that the sliding stud 12 should be moved suffciently to the left so as not to embrace clip 80' when panel 19 is in the position as shown in FIG. 9a (i.e., when the clip 80 of panel 19 snugly embraces the short arm 11c of stud 11). However, the position of stud 12 should be such as to have its left-hand edge positioned slightly to the right of opening 98. The screw driver may then be inserted in the fashion set forth hereinabove to move the upper end of stud 12 into embracing engagement with clip 80". This operation is repeated whereby the screw driver is inserted into the lower opening (not shown for purposes of simplicity) to move the movable stud 12 into vertical alignmentt as well as being moved into firm and snug engagement with clip 80". Disassembly of panel 19 may now be performed without removing any panels to its immediate left or its immediate right in the following manner:

Movable stud 11 is disengaged from clip 80 in the manner described hereinabove through the insertion of the screw driver into upper opening 94 and subsequently into lower opening 95. The next operation consists of inserting the screw driver into upper opening 100 which is substantially aligned with the small gap between the clip portion 82" of clip 80" and the short arm 126 of movable stud 12. The screw driver is rotated in the direction shown by arrow 93 (when the screw driver is inserted into opening 100) to move the upper end of slidable stud 12 out of embracing engagement with the upper portion of clip 80". The operation is then repeated by inserting the screw driver into the lower opening which is aligned similar to the upper opening 100 (and which has been omitted for purposes of simplicity) so as to totally and completely release slidable stud 12 from embracing engagement with the clip 80". Upon completion of this operation, only clip 80 remains in embracing engagement with the short arm of stud 11. The right-hand end of panel 19 may be lifted away from the stud run by moving the panel in the direction shown by arrow 98. To facilitate this operation the head of a screw driver or other instrument may be placed in the gap between the right-hand edge of panel 19 and the left-hand edge of the adjacent panel 19". As soon as the righthand edge of panel 19 has been lifted away from studs 11 and 12 and clears the exterior surface of panel 19", the panel may be moved in the direction shown by arrow 97 so as to remove clip 80 from embracing engagement with the short arm 11c of stud 11. This arrangement thus facilitates both assembly and removal of a single panel from the stud run while at the same time utilizing stud 12 to provide further supporting strength for the panel.

After the entire wall has been assembled in the manner described hereinabove the openings provided along the upper and lower edges of panel 19 are covered by ceiling and floor runners of the type shown and described hereinabove in connection with FIGS. 20 and 2b. Obviously, any other ceiling and floor runner assembly may be employed so long as the height of each ceiling and floor assembly is sufficient so as to cover the openings provided along the upper and lower edges of each mounted panel so that the openings will not detract from the aesthetic appearance of the finished panel assembly. It can therefore be seen that the assembly of FIGS. 9-9b provides a greatly simplified panel mounting assembly of high structural strength which lends itself readily to rapid assembly or disassembly from the stud run.

The clips 80, 80' and 80 may be made adhesively mounted to the mounting face of panel board 19 either in the factory or at the job site. At job sites where a relatively small number of panels are required, it may be preferable to mount the clips at the job site. However, in job installations requiring a very large number of panel assemblies, it is preferred that the clips be mounted at the factory and shipped to the job site in completed form. Due to the nature of the clips and the manner in which they protrude from the mounting face of each panel board, the panels do not lend themselves readily to being neatly and compactly stacked so as to facilitate stacking, packaging, handling and shipping. In order to provide a clip assembly which lends itself to being compactly stacked after assembly, the arrangement of FIG. 90 may be employed. As shown therein, the clip assembly 110 comprises first and second clip members 111 and 112. Clip member 111 is comprised of a mounting portion 111a and an embracing portion lllb. Mounting portion 111a is adhesively secured to the mounting face of panel 19. Clip member 111 when securely mounted, has its embracing portion lllb spaced a small distance away from the mounting face of panel member 19. This completes the assembly or fabrication of the panel at the factory. Clip portions 112 are shipped separately and are mounted at the job site in the following fashion:

Clip member 112 is provided with an embracing portion 112a and integral portions 112b, 112C and 112d. Portion 112b is aligned at right angles to portions 112a and 1126 while portion 112d is diagonally aligned relative to portion 1120. The clip assembly 110, when fully assembled in the manner shown in FIG. 90, substantially resembles the clip 80, for example, shown in FIGS; 9-9b. The embracing portion 1120 of clip member 112 is slid beneath the embracing portion 112b of clip member 111 and the mounting face 19 of the panel board. After being firmly slid beneath embracing portion 111b, the head of a sharp instrument is placed against the exterior surface of embracing portion lllb and its opposite end is struck preferably by a hammer so as to peen or otherwise form an indentation in embracing portion 111b (as well as portion 11217) causing clip member 112 to be rigidly secured to the panel assembly. It should be understood that a plurality of clip assemblies are provided upon the panel with the alignments as shown for the clip assemblies 80 and 80' (as well as clip 80", if desired). As an alternative arrangement the plate portions 112a and lllb may be provided with cooperating recesses, grooves or indentations formed at the factory. The plate 112a is then slid beneath plate portion lllb until the recesses or grooves are aligned to lock the plates together.

FIGS. 10, 10a and 1012 show alternative clip embodiments which are substantially similar to the clip structures shown in FIGS. 68g. Considering the embodiment of FIG. 10, panel 19 is provided with a clip member substantially similar to the clip 30 shown in FIG. 6 and having a panel mounting portion 1200, a bent portion of small radius 120b, and a bent portion of greater radius 120C. The major distinction between the clip 120 of FIG. 10 and the clip 30 of FIG. 6 is that the portions 34 and 35 of clip 30 are integrally joined along a sharply bent portion 37 and the portion 12012 of clip 120 is provided with a gradually bent portion whereas the similar portion 36 of clip 30 is substantially straight.

Panel 19 has its right-hand end provided with an adhesively-mounted clip 122 comprised of a mounting portion 122a joined at a sharp bend 122b by a substantially S-shaped portion 1226. It should be understood that the right-hand end of panel 19 although not shown in the Figure for purposes of simplicity would receive a clip of the type shown as clip 122 while the left-hand portion of panel 19', also not shown for purposes of simplicity, would receive a clip of the type shown as clip 120. The assembly steps consist of initially mounting panel 19 by sliding the panel in the direction shown by arrow 123 so as to cause clip 120 to embrace stud 11. The right-hand end of panel 19 is snapped against a clip of the type shown as clip 120 embracing the associated stud (not shown for purposes of simplicity).

which is arranged approximately substantially 4 feet from stud 11. Panel 19 is then mounted in a similar fashion whereby its left-hand clip (not shown in FIG. 10) is slid in the direction shown by arrow 123 so as to cause its left-hand clip (which would be of the type shown by clip 120) with an associated stud. The righthand end of panel 19 is then snapped into position by pressing the exposed right-hand surface of panel 19 in the direction shown by arrow 124 to cause the S- shaped portion 1226 of clip 122 to snappingly engage the curved portion 12% of clip 120.

FIG. 10a shows a somewhat similar arrangement wherein a clip 30', substantially similar to clip 30 of FIG. 6, is adhesively mounted to panel 19 adjacent its right-hand edge and having a portion thereof protruding beyond the right-hand edge of the panel. Adjacent panel 19 is provided with a clip assembly 126 having a mounting portion 126a, a portion l26b arranged at right angles to portion 126a, a curved portion 1260 of a small radius of curvature and a portion 126:] whose free end has an S-curved portion 1266. It should be understood that the right-hand end of panel 19' would be provided with a clip of the type shown by clip 30' and likewise the left-hand end of panel 19 would be provided with a clip of the type shown by clip 126. The sequences of assembly is such that panel 19 is slid in the direction shown by arrow 127 to cause clip 30 to be moved into embracing engagement with the short arm 11c of stud 11. Its left-hand end is then pressed inwardly toward the stud run to cause the clip of the type shown by clip 126 to snappingly engage the associated clip of the type shown by clip 30' of the panel positioned immediately to the left of panel 19. Panel 19' is mounted in a similar fashion whereby its clip of the type shown by clip 30 is first brought into embracing engagement with an associated stud and its left-hand end is pressed inwardly in the direction shown by arrow 128 to cause clip 126 to embracingly engage the central portion of clip 30' in the manner shown in FIG. a. In this particular arrangement portion 126d of clip 126 will be caused to be urged toward portion 126]) of the resilient clip in order to clear the central portion of clip Once portion 126d has cleared clip 30' the S- shaped portion 126e will snappingly be urged against the central portion of clip 30 to be rigidly held into the position as shown in FIG. 10a.

FIG. 10b shows an arrangement substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 10a wherein clip 30 is substantially identical to clip 30' of FIG. 10a. However, clip 126 of FIG. 10a is substituted by a clip 130 of FIG. 1011 which is comprised of a mounting portion 130a, a portion 13012 arranged at right angles to mounting portion 130a, and an elongated and S-shaped free end portion 130c integrally joined to portion 13%. The mounting sequence of the assembly of FIG. 10b is such that panel 19 is first moved in the direction shown by arrow 131 to cause clip 30' to embracingly engage the short arm 110 of stud 11. The left-hand end of panel 19 is then pressed against the stud run to cause the clip provided near its left-hand end to embracingly engage a clip similar to clip 30 provided on the panel positioned immediately to the left of panel 19. Panel 19 is mounted in a similar fashion whereby the clip provided along its right-hand edge and similar to clip 30' is caused to be brought into embracing engagement with an associated stud. The left-hand end of panel 19 is then urged in the direction shown by arrow 132 whereby the end portion 130d of clip 130 bears against the central portion of clip 30 causing the clip to be deformed to assume the shape shown by dotted lines 130'. As soon as the end portion 130d clears the central portion of clip 30 the clip snappingly returns to its normal position so as to occupy the position shown in solid line fashion in FIG. 10b and thereby cause the left-hand portion of panel 199' to be firmly embraced against stud 11.

FIGS. 11 and 11a show still further alternative embodiments wherein a stud 11 which may be ridigly engaged by the ceiling and floor channels (as shown and described in connection with FIG. 1a) is joined with a movable stud 12 which is inserted into the stud run by diagonally aligning the stud 12 between two stationary mounted studs until its upper and lower edges clear the ceiling and floor channels, after which the stud is then moved to a vertically aligned position in engagement with stud 11 in the manner shown in FIG. 11. If desired, a fastening member such as a sheet metal screw 131 may be threaded into the studs 11 and 12 so as to secure movable stud 12 to stationary stud 11. Obviously, if desired, a plurality of sheet metal screws may be arranged at spaced intervals along the length of the studs 11 and 12.

Each vertical marginal edge of each of the panels 19 and 19' shown in FIG. 11 has secured to its mounting face a mounting clip 134 which is comprised of a mounting portion 134a integrally joined to a substantially S-shaped portion l34b. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the nature of the assembly is such that the panels may be assembled in either sequence, i.e., either panel 19 or panel 19 may be mounted first. Panel 19 may have the clip provided along its left-hand mounting face either slid into or snappingly engaged with an associated stud. The right-hand end of panel 19 is then pressed inwardly as shown by arrow 135 until the free end of clip 134 clears the short arm 120 of stud 12 at which time the clip moves into snapping engagement with short arm 12c. Panel 19 may be mounted in a similar fashion. The panels may be readily disassembled by inserting the head end ofa screw driver in the gap G between panels 19 and 19 and prying the panel away from its associated stud.

FIG. 11a shows a somewhat similar arrangement to that shown in FIG. 11 wherein studs 11 and 12 (either of which may be movable with the remaining one being rigidly secured to the ceiling and floor channels are secured by one or more sheet metal screws 131. The clip assemblies employed in FIG. 11a, however, are somewhat different from those shown in FIG. II. Clip assemblies 136 are each comprised of a mounting portion 136a, a portion 13617 arranged substantially at right angles to mounting portion 136a, and a substantially S-shaped free end portion 1360 which has a projecting portion 136d of substantially small radius of curvature. The mounting assembly is substantially similar to that described in connection with FIG. ll wherein the clips are deformed as shown by the dotted line configuration 136 until portion 136a clears the short arm of its associated stud (for example, as short arm lie of stud 11) at which time the clip returns to its normal contour so as to have the projecting portions 136d embrace the short arm portions and of studs 11 and 12, respectively.

After assembly, it may be found that the curved propecting portions 136d while in the position embracing the short arm of its associated stud may leave a slight gap between the mounting face of each panel and the engaging mounting face of the stud a slight amount of rattling of the panel may occur. In order to prevent this, an elongated resilient strip 138 is mounted along each marginal mounting face of each panel in the'manner shown. The strips 138 are preferably highly resilient so as to be compressible to a substantial degree and thereby take up any gap or slight spacing which may remain after mounting of the panel. It can thus be seen that the mounting face and short arm of each stud is embraced between the resilient pad 138 and the projecting portion 136d so as to be quite firmly embraced therebetween and thereby provide an extremely tight fit for the panels to prevent the possibility of any rattling of the panel members. It should be understood that a similar resilient pad may be employed in all of the previous clip embodiments described hereinabove. For example, in connection with FIG. 11, the resilient pad 138 may be positioned between the mounting face of stud l1 and the exposed face of the mounting portion 134a of clip 134. The resilient pad may either be adhesively secured to the mounting face of the stud or alternatively may be adhesively secured to the exposed face of mounting portion 134a. In the embodiment of FIG. 10b a resilient pad 138 may be adhesively secured to the mounting face of panel 19 in the position as shown. Clips which are slidably moved into places such as, for example, clip 30 may be bent so as to provide a much tighter embracing fit with its associated stud so as to avoid the need for a resilient pad. Alternatively, if desired, a pad may be placed between the exposed face of the mounting portion of clip 30' and the mounting face of stud 11 and may be adhesively secured to either of these two faces. Resilient pads may be mounted in a manner similar to that described hereinabove in connection with the remaining clip assemblies of FIGS. 6-8h, l and a. The clip assemblies employed in the embodiment of FIGS. 99c may be made to snugly and tightly embrace their associated studs so as to avoid the need for such resilient pads. However, if desired, pads may be employed in appropriate positions similar to that described hereinabove in connection with FIGS. 11, 11a and 10!).

FIG. 11b shows an arrangement somewhat similar to that shown in FIG. 90 wherein clip assemblies 160 and 170 are each formed of two separate clip portions 161-162 and l71172, respectively. Considering clip assembly 160, clip portion 161 is provided with a mounting portion 161a and an embracing portion 161b. Clip member 162 is provided with an embraced portion 162a and a stud embracing portion 162!) whereby the final assembly is substantially similar to clip assembly 40 of FIG. 7. The arrangement of clip assembly 160 is designed for a purpose substantially similar to that described in connection with FIG. 90 wherein it is desired to mount the clips at the factory and yet provide an arrangement in which the panel assemblies, after the clips are mounted, lend themselves to being simply and compactly stacked for packaging and shipping purposes. The mounting portion 161a is adhesively secured to the mounting face of panel 19 while the remaining clip members 162 may be packaged and shipped separately. At the job site the embraced portion 162a of clip 162 is slid beneath the embracing portion 161b of clip 161 and a sharp instrument such as, for example, the head of a screw driver or the head of a nail punch is placed against the exposed surface of embracing portion 1611:. Its opposite end is sturck by a heavy instrument such as, for example, a hammer so as to form a depression or punch mark 173. A plurality of punch marks are formed in the embracing portion 161]; at spaced intervals therealong so as to cause the clip portion 162 to be firmly embraced between the mounting face of panel 19 and its associated clip member 161.

The clip assembly 170 which, when fully assembled, substantially resembles clip of FIG. 6, is comprised of first and second clip members 171 and 172 whereby clip member 171 may be adhesively mounted to panel 19 at the factory. Its slightly raised embracing portion 171b does not substantially interfere with the compact stacking ofa large number of panels. The separate clip arms 172 may be separately packaged and shipped. At the job site the embraced portions 172a are slid beneath the embracing portions 171!) and the surface of embracing portion l7lb is provided with a plurality of punch marks in the manner to that described hereinabove in conjunction with the assembly of clip assembly 160. The mounting of the panel boards is substantially identical to that described in conjunction with FIGS. 8a-8f, the only distinction of the clip assemblies of FIG. llb from that shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 being the two-piece design to facilitate packaging and handling and to reduce the amount of activity required at the job site wherein at least the adhesively mounted portions of the clip assemblies may be completed at the factory and before shipment to the job site.

FIG. 12 shows still another embodiment of the present invention in which a panel 19 is provided with three elongated plastic strips 140, and 140" which are adhesively secured to the mounting face of panel 19 in spaced parallel fashion so as to be substantially in alignment with the mounting faces of studs 11, 12 and 11', respectively. The plastic strips 140, 140' and 140" are each formed of a suitable magnetic material in granulated form which are dispersed throughout the plastic binder which is in the form of a strip of material preferably of a thickness in the range from one sixty-fourth inch to one-eighth inch. The panel is mounted by pressing the panel against the studs with the magnetic strips engaging the mounting faces of studs 11, 12 and 11, respectively. The studs 11, 12 and 11' are formed of a metallic material which is magnetically attracted by the permanently magnetized strips of tape so as to cause the tape strips of the panel to be magnetically attracted to their associated studs. Once the panel is in position the supporting strength may be enhanced by inserting a single sheet metal screw 141 at both the upper and lower edges of the panel intermediate the vertical sides of the panel so as to threadedly engage stud 12 near its lower and upper end. This operation may be performed after mounting of the panel whereby the magnetized tape strips are of sufficient magnetic strength to maintain the panel in position. Thus the panels need not be held or supported during the time in which the sheet metal screws are inserted. If desired, the sheet metal screws may be eliminated so long as the magnetic strips employed are of suitable thickness so as to provide a magnetic force of sufficient attractive strength to hold the panel permanently in position. A panel may be released simply by inserting the head of a screw driver in the gap G between adjacent panels in prying the de sired panel away from the studs to which it is magnetically attracted.

In applications wherein it is desired to use clip assemblies of the type described in FIGS. 6lla, along the marginal edges of a panel and to provide further supporting strength by mounting the panel to a stud positioned intermediate its edges, either the magnetic strip shown in FIG. 12 or the velcro strip shown in FIGS. la-3b may be employed. For example, considering the embodiment of FIG. 9a, clip 80" may be substituted either by a magnetic strip adhesively secured to the mounting face of panel 19 and aligned so as to make physical engagement with the mounting face of stud 12 so as to provide the additional supporting strength. Alternatively, the mating Velcro strips may be adhesively secured to the mounting faces of panel 19 and stud l2 and may be brought into engagement by pressing the panel in the direction shown by arrow to cause the cooperating Velcro strips, of the type shown in FIGS. 10 and 1d, into locking engagement with one another. This arrangement eliminates the need for providing a sliding stud in the central portion while at the same time providing additional supporting strength for each panel in the region intermediate the vertical edges of the panel.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 6-12, it is not necessary to employ conventional batten strips in the gaps between the vertical edges of adjacent panels, for example, in the gap G between panels 19 and 19 of FIG. 11. However, if desired, batten strips of the type shown in FIG. 1b may be employed so as to cover the region between adjacent panels if desired. The force-fitted batten strips 23 shown in FIG. 1b may preferably be formed of a resilient plastic material so as to be readily force-fitted into the gap between adjacent panels and likewise so as to be readily removed therefrom. The exposed face of the force-fitted batten strip may be made of a glossy or matte finish and be of any desired color so as to be color-coordinated with the panels. The ceiling and floor runners, which may be of the type described in FIGS. 2a and 2b, or of any other suitable type, may likewise be made of a material which is color-coordinated with the panels and which provide an aesthetically appealing appearance when fully assembled.

While not described herein for purposes of simplicity, it should be understood that ceiling and floor runners of the type described hereinabove in connection with FIGS. 2a and 2b may be employed to finish the top and bottom horizontal marginal edges of a partition assembly. Obviously, any other floor or ceiling runner arrangement may be employed. The left-hand and righthand most panels or, alternatively, those panels which require conventional fastening means such as, for example, the fastening means 63 of FIG. 8e may be covered by a batten strip of the type designated by the numeral 23 in FIG. lb, wherein the left-hand arm portion 23e and loop-type elements strips or in which novel mounting clips are secured to the vertical studs and the mounting surfaces of the panel board to greatly expedite assembly of a partition system.

it should further be noted that the various elements shown in the Figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Also, the relative proportions between and among the various elements of the assemblies have been modified for simplicity of the drawings and hence the relative proportions as shownshould not be considered as limiting the concept or scope of the invention.

FIGS. 13 and 130 show another embodiment of the invention in which clip assembly 180 is comprised of a mounting portion 181 adhesively secured to panel 19. integrally joined to clip portion 180 is an upright portion 182 having a pair of parallel arms 183a and l83b extending from the free end thereof. The arms 183a and 1831; each have an elongated slot 184 (only one such slot being shown in the Figures). Each slot receives the associated end of a pin 185 upon which a rubber (or resilient) roller 186 is mounted. The pin 185 is urged away from upright portion 182 by springs 187a and l87b wedged between pin I85 and upright portion 182. The panel 19 may be snapped into position by pressing the panel against the studs, causing the roller 186 to be urged toward upright portion 182 until the roller clears short arm lle of stud 11, at which time roller 186 is snappingly urged behind arm 110. The panel may be removed by prying the head of a screw driver between panels 119 and 19'.

Although this invention has been described with respect to its preferred embodiments, it should be understood that many variations and modifications will now be obvious to those skilled in the art and, therefore, it is preferred that the invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein but only by the appended claims.

I claim: 1. An interior movable partition system for a building structure comprising at least one panel;

a plurality of spaced parallel vertically aligned studs of substantially C-shaped cross section defined by a central portion and a pair of outwardly extending arms;

clip means being secured to the mounting face of said panel along first and second marginal edges thereof; each of said clip means having a resilient panel mounting portion integrally joined to a stud embracing portion for snap-fittingly engaging the free end of an arm of an associated one of said studs for urging the panel toward said studs. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said stud embracing portion of selected ones of said clips has a V-shaped configuration.

3. An interior movable partition system for a building structure comprising at least one panel:

a plurality of spaced parallel vertically aligned metallic studs of substantially C-shaped cross-section; upper and lower channels each respectively embracing the upper and lower ends of said studs whereby said studs are slidably received by said channels;

at least one first clip member being secured to the mounting face of said panel along one marginal edge thereof;

at least one second clip member being secured to the mounting face of said panel along the opposite marginal edge thereof;

said first clip member having a substantially Z-shaped configuration comprising first and second arms extending in opposite directions from an integrally joined central portion, one of said arms being joined to said panel mounting face and the opposite arms embracing one arm of one of the studs;

said second clip member having a substantially Z- shaped configuration comprising first and second arms extending in opposite directions from an integrally joined central portion, one of said arms being joined to said panel mounting face and the opposite arm positioned a spaced distance away from another one of said studs;

said panel having a first opening adjacent its upper edge and a second opening adjacent its lower edge;

said first and second opening positioned adjacent said one of said movable studs to facilitate the insertion of a slender instrument such as a screwdriver head to enable the upper and lower ends of the said other one of said movable studs to be moved into embracing engagement with the opposite arm of said second clip member.

4. The partition system of claim 3 wherein said panel is further provided with third and fourth openings respectively along its upper and lower ends and arranged a spaced distance from said first and second openings respectively;

said third and fourth openings being positioned in close proximity to the central portion of said second clip member to facilitate the insert of a slender instrument such as screw-driver head to enable the upper and lower ends of the said one of said movable stud to be moved out of embracing engagement with the opposite arm of said second clip member.

5. An interior partition system comprising:

a plurality of vertically aligned metallic studs of substantially C-shaped cross-section;

a second clip member being secured to the mounting face of said panel adjacent the opposite vertical edge;

said first clip member having a substantially Z-shaped configuration comprising first and second arms extending in opposite directions from an integrally joined central portion, one of said arms being secured to said panel and the remaining arm being adapted to embrace one of said studs;

said second clip member having a substantially Z- shaped configuration comprising first and second arms extending in opposite directions from an integrally joined central portion, one of said arms being secured to said panel and the'remaining arm being positioned a spaced distance away from another one of said studs; said panel having a first opening adjacent its upper edge and a second opening adjacent its lower edge;

said first and second openings positioned adjacent the side of said movable stud remote from said second clip member to facilitate the insertion of a slender instrument such as a screwdriver head to enable the upper and lower ends of the said one of said movable studs to be moved into embracing engagement with the opposite arm of said second clip member.

6. The partition system of claim 3 wherein said panel is further provided with third and fourth openings respectively along its upper and lower ends and arranged a spaced distance from said first and second openings respectively;

said third and fourth openings being positioned in close proximity to the central portion of said second clip member to facilitate the insertion of a slender instrument such as a screw-driver head to enable the upper and lower ends of the said one of said movable studs to be moved out of embracing engagement with the opposite arm of said second clip member. 

1. An interior movable partition system for a building structure comprising at least one panel; a plurality of spaced parallel vertically aligned studs of substantially C-shaped cross section defined by a central portion and a pair of outwardly extending arms; clip means being secured to the mounting face of said panel along first and second marginal edges thereof; each of said clip means having a resilient panel mounting portion integrally joined to a stud embracing portion for snapfittingly engaging the free end of an arm of an associated one of said studs for urging the panel toward said studs.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said stud embracing portion of selected ones of said clips has a V-shaped configuration.
 3. An interior movable partition system for a building structure comprising at least one panel: a plurality of spaced parallel vertically aligned metallic studs of substantially C-shaped cross-section; upper and lower channels each respectively embracing the upper and lower ends of said studs whereby said studs are slidably received by Said channels; at least one first clip member being secured to the mounting face of said panel along one marginal edge thereof; at least one second clip member being secured to the mounting face of said panel along the opposite marginal edge thereof; said first clip member having a substantially Z-shaped configuration comprising first and second arms extending in opposite directions from an integrally joined central portion, one of said arms being joined to said panel mounting face and the opposite arms embracing one arm of one of the studs; said second clip member having a substantially Z-shaped configuration comprising first and second arms extending in opposite directions from an integrally joined central portion, one of said arms being joined to said panel mounting face and the opposite arm positioned a spaced distance away from another one of said studs; said panel having a first opening adjacent its upper edge and a second opening adjacent its lower edge; said first and second opening positioned adjacent said one of said movable studs to facilitate the insertion of a slender instrument such as a screw-driver head to enable the upper and lower ends of the said other one of said movable studs to be moved into embracing engagement with the opposite arm of said second clip member.
 4. The partition system of claim 3 wherein said panel is further provided with third and fourth openings respectively along its upper and lower ends and arranged a spaced distance from said first and second openings respectively; said third and fourth openings being positioned in close proximity to the central portion of said second clip member to facilitate the insert of a slender instrument such as screw-driver head to enable the upper and lower ends of the said one of said movable stud to be moved out of embracing engagement with the opposite arm of said second clip member.
 5. An interior partition system comprising: a plurality of vertically aligned metallic studs of substantially C-shaped cross-section; upper and lower channels each respectively embracing the upper and lower edges of said studs whereby said studs are slidably received by said channels; one of said studs being positioned immediately adjacent one of the studs which is rigidly secured to said channels; a rectangular shaped panel board having a width substantially equal to the spacing between studs; a first clip member being secured to the mounting face of said panel and adjacent one vertical edge; a second clip member being secured to the mounting face of said panel adjacent the opposite vertical edge; said first clip member having a substantially Z-shaped configuration comprising first and second arms extending in opposite directions from an integrally joined central portion, one of said arms being secured to said panel and the remaining arm being adapted to embrace one of said studs; said second clip member having a substantially Z-shaped configuration comprising first and second arms extending in opposite directions from an integrally joined central portion, one of said arms being secured to said panel and the remaining arm being positioned a spaced distance away from another one of said studs; said panel having a first opening adjacent its upper edge and a second opening adjacent its lower edge; said first and second openings positioned adjacent the side of said movable stud remote from said second clip member to facilitate the insertion of a slender instrument such as a screw-driver head to enable the upper and lower ends of the said one of said movable studs to be moved into embracing engagement with the opposite arm of said second clip member.
 6. The partition system of claim 3 wherein said panel is further provided with third and fourth openings respectively along its upper and lower ends and arranged a spaced distance from said first and second openings respectively; said third and fourth openings being positioned in cLose proximity to the central portion of said second clip member to facilitate the insertion of a slender instrument such as a screw-driver head to enable the upper and lower ends of the said one of said movable studs to be moved out of embracing engagement with the opposite arm of said second clip member. 